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Book of Mark - Chapter 14 - Verse 34

14:34
And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.

Meaning

In this verse, Jesus is expressing deep emotional distress to his disciples before his ultimate sacrifice on the cross. The phrase "My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death" captures the intense anguish and agony that Jesus was feeling in anticipation of the overwhelming suffering he was about to endure. Despite being fully aware of the events that were to come, Jesus still chose to carry out God's plan for the redemption of humanity. By instructing his disciples to "tarry ye here, and watch," Jesus is requesting their support and prayer during this difficult time. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the humanity of Jesus, who experienced sorrow and anguish just like any other person, yet remained obedient to God's will. It also underscores the importance of seeking comfort and strength through prayer and the support of others in times of great distress.

Theological Overview

When Jesus said to His disciples, "My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch," in the Gospel of Mark, He was expressing deep anguish and distress about the events that were about to transpire. The phrase "exceeding sorrowful unto death" indicates the extreme emotional and mental turmoil that Jesus was experiencing, foreshadowing the intense suffering He was soon to endure. The word "sorrowful" in the original Greek can also be translated as "very sad" or "grieved," highlighting the profound sadness that Jesus was feeling.

The instruction for the disciples to "tarry ye here, and watch" serves as a call to prayer and vigilance. By asking them to stay awake and be alert, Jesus was preparing His closest followers for the trials that were to come. It is a reminder for believers to remain watchful and prayerful in times of difficulty and to stay close to God for strength and support. This verse invites readers to reflect on the depth of Jesus' suffering and his unwavering commitment to fulfilling God's will, even in the face of overwhelming sorrow.

American Standard Version

And he saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful even unto death: abide ye here, and watch.
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